| 1. This is the start of a 2 week charity bike ride into the Picos de Europa mountains.
For more about this ride in Spain, see www.picosriders.org.uk.
We arrive on the mid-day ferry (Portsmouth to Santander) and take the local FEVA train to Requejada. This avoids busy traffic out of Santander, and then a half day ride to San Vicente de la Barquera for the 1st overnight stop.
Head SSE on the N611 and shortly turn off onto the CA131. This road will take you to San Vicente, however some short detours add more interest!
First Santilla del Mar is a must. Return to CA131 and after San Roque, head NW on the CA920 to Caborredando. Stay on CA920 and continue SW on CA362 to visit Novales. Then head out, NW on CA363 to rejoin the main CA131 and into the sea side resort of Comillas. A good place for rest and refreshments on the beach!
Back to the CA131 and another worthwhile detour (after crossing over 2 rivers) is around the Oyambre peninsular, part of a national park. You will know when you get there from the scenery!
This detour circuit takes you back to the CA131 and the 16th C, 28 arched bridge over the Rio San Vicente. Lots to see in this historic fishing port and a good place for an over night. In fact we are staying 2 night so that we can explore a bit of the adjacent Cantabrian mountains!. |